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Berkeley County authorizes application for $3M federal behavioral‑health diversion grant
Summary
The commission approved applying for a Bureau of Justice Assistance grant of roughly $3,000,000 over 36 months to fund crisis stabilization, treatment, housing access and EHR improvements; commissioners authorized the president to sign application documents.
Grant writer Tim Zai briefed the commission on a Bureau of Justice Assistance notice of funding opportunity designed to build comprehensive service networks at the intersection of mental health, substance use and the justice system. Zai said the opportunity is roughly $3,000,000 over 36 months (about $1,000,000 per year) to support four core areas: crisis stabilization centers, treatment services, housing access, and electronic health record systems and technology modernization.
Zai said the county would apply with the commission’s blessing and that many of the positions referenced in the notice of funding opportunity would offset salaries the county already pays; two new positions were identified as potential additions if awarded: a reentry navigator and a research and data analyst. He said the county commission supports pursuing the grant.
A motion to approve applying for the Behavioral Health Diversion and Public Safety Initiative grant and to authorize the commission president to sign application materials was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. Commissioners characterized the opportunity as a strong match for existing county services and responsibilities and applauded the potential for additional staffing and service capacity if the county is awarded funds.
